Healing for Broken Hearts

By Paula Williamson guest writer

The best surgeons can repair physical damage to the human heart.

The best counselors can offer wisdom and coping strategies to help us navigate the pain of a broken heart.

But there is a promise found in Scripture that no one else can claim.

The Messiah—Jesus—came to bind up the wounds of the brokenhearted, to comfort those who mourn, to bring beauty from ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I can personally testify that these words are true.

It is written:

ISAIAH 61: 1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, ² to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, ³ and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joyinstead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

How About You?

Have you found anyone or anything else that can truly make such promises—and provide lasting healing? If so, I would be interested to hear about it. Our world is full of broken hearts and heartbreaking events, and many people are searching for something that can truly restore what has been shattered.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, this is a bold promise—one that I desperately need.

Here it is, Lord: all the memories, all the pain, all the words and pictures, all the betrayal—things no one should ever have to see, feel, or hear. I lift it all up to You like a vulnerable child and place it in Your hands, feelings and all.

Would You show me where You were in all of these broken places?

Would You reveal any lies I may have believed as truth because of them?

Thank You for the promise in Scripture that You came to bind up the wounds of my broken heart. You bore my sorrows, and by Your stripes I am healed. Thank You, Lord. I receive Your healing.

Takeaway

Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted.